Queensland contract basics
Standard REIQ contracts include a five-business-day cooling-off period for private treaty purchases (not auctions), and conditions for finance and building and pest are negotiated, not automatic.
Transfer duty is payable in Queensland, with concessions for eligible home and first-home buyers. Budget for duty, legal fees, searches, inspections and, for foreign buyers, additional acquirer duty and FIRB approval.
Due diligence you cannot do from a photo
Flood and storm-tide overlays, easements, holiday-let density, noise from the highway or airport flight path, slope and retaining wall condition, and body corporate financial health. Every one of these has cost a remote buyer money on this Coast.
How to buy without living here yet
Engage local eyes. Home Scouts acts only for buyers across the Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Brisbane - shortlisting, inspecting, assessing value and risk, and negotiating on your behalf so you are not bidding blind from another state.
Common questions
Can I buy a Sunshine Coast property without inspecting it myself?
Yes, and many interstate buyers do - but you should have someone independent inspect on your behalf, plus building and pest and flood/overlay checks, before your contract conditions expire.
What is the cooling-off period in Queensland?
Private treaty residential contracts in Queensland generally include a five-business-day cooling-off period, which does not apply to properties bought at auction.
Do foreign buyers need approval to buy on the Sunshine Coast?
Foreign buyers generally need Foreign Investment Review Board approval and pay additional foreign acquirer duty in Queensland, on top of standard transfer duty.